Sermon by Donald R. Hart – Antioch Christian Church, Pittsburg, Missouri – February 25, 2007
(All quoted Scripture is from the NIV)
PEACE DEFINED
Text: Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.”
INTRODUCTION
Two weeks ago I spoke on “Love Defined”, last week on “Grace Defined” and today I want to talk about “Peace Defined”. The word “peace” has several different meanings in the Old and New Testaments.
The Old Testament meaning of peace was completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given and was obtained by following the Law. It also sometimes had a physical meaning that suggested security or contentment or prosperity. It also at times meant the absence of war. As many of you know, the traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, was a wish for peace.
In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. The peace that Jesus spoke about was a combination of hope, trust, and the quiet within the soul brought about by a person’s reconciliation with God.
Jesus in our text very simply says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” This is part of the Beatitudes given at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. We understand that the word “blessed” carries with it the idea of “happy”. So one could say, “Happy are the peacemakers…”
It was interesting that this week I received some pictures taken at a Muslim “Religion of Peace Demonstration” held in London.
None of these pictures found their way on American TV or into our newspapers. They came by the way of a Canadian friend who thought Americans ought to know. I know that you cannot see these very well so allow me to quote from some of the placards from this “Peace Demonstration”: “Slay those who insult Islam”
“Butcher those who mock Islam”
“Behead those who insult Islam”
“Europe is the cancer – Islam is the answer”
“Islam will dominate the world”
“Freedom Go to Hell”
“Europe, take some lessons from 9/11”
“Europe you will pay. Your 9/11 is on its way!!”
“Be prepared for the real holocaust!”
Please understand I do not share these photos in order to create intolerant feelings toward the followers of Islam, but rather to let you know there are those in our world that have a very jaundiced idea of what peace entails. We dare not retaliate in kind, but rather to do as Jesus commands – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
(Matthew 5:44)
PROPOSITION
Today in our message I would like to consider “Peace Defined” from three different viewpoints - Finding the source of peace, Finding personal peace and Finding our role at peacemakers.
I. FINDING THE SOURCE OF PEACE
A. GOD THE FATHER GIVES PEACE
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
It is clear from the context the “You” in this passage is referring to God for it goes on in verse 4, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”
During our Scripture reading this morning from Psalm 37:7 we heard:
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
I know the word “peace” is not found in this passage, but I believe you will agree that it is certainly inferred here. When one is still before the Lord and is waiting patiently for him and is not fretting, one is going to be at peace.
Very quickly here are several passages where the Apostle Paul uses the term “the God of peace”: As Paul begins to close his letter to the Romans he says in 15:33 – “The God of peace be with you all. Amen.” and then in 16:20 he gives them a promise that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
We often quote Philippians 4:8 as a guideline for what our thoughts should be: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” However we often stop short and fail to read verse 9 which says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Do you want the God of peace to be your companion? Then think about those types of things that are outlined in verse 8.
Paul closes 1 Thessalonians with these words – “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (5:23)
B. JESUS CHRIST IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE
I know that immediately you are called to remember the prophecy in Isaiah in this regard – Isaiah 9:6-7 - “6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end…”
The Apostle Peter began his message to the Gentiles gathered at the household of Cornelius with these words (Acts 10:36) – “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”
The good news of peace was through Jesus Christ and we know from other Scriptures this peace broke down the wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile – “For he (Christ) himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…” (Ephesians 2:14)
And we would be remiss if we did not mention how that the Apostle Paul and some of the other New Testament writers used the phrase “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” time after time in their writings.
C. HAVING THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS PEACE
As Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure they were naturally troubled by the prospect of him no longer being with them. The 14th chapter of John records some of the conversation that took place between Jesus and his disciples. In order to allay their fears he promises to send them the Holy Spirit – also referred to as Comforter, Counselor and Helper.
The Holy Spirit would help fill the void of Jesus’ absence and he would aid them in remembering all the things that he had taught them so they could speak the truth. Notice what he tells them. John 14:15-16 says, “15 If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever…”
This one being sent would be with them forever – that had to give them some comfort and peace in their situation.
Jesus further explains the role of the Holy Spirit in 14:26-27
“26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
So here is the deal (a poor paraphrase here) – “I am leaving, but I am sending a Helper or Counselor who will stay with you and will help you, plus I am leaving my peace with you – so do not be afraid.”
Even as the Apostles were given the Holy Spirit, we too are given the same gift (see Acts 2:38). The early church was strengthened by the Holy Spirit – notice Acts 9:31 - “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”
Paul says in Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…”
There you have the source of peace – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – all working in harmony in this matter.
II. FINDING PERSONAL PEACE
A. HAVING A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST
If there is anything that is plain in the Scripture it is the need for a person to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One will never find real or lasting peace outside of that relationship. Paul speaks of it in Romans 5:1-2,
“1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.”
To put it quite plainly – no peace with God through Christ and there will be no peace – period!
We referred to it earlier but Peter clearly talks about “the good news of peace through Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:36). And let me add here that if you do not have this peaceful relationship with Jesus Christ, then that is the priority for your life today – get right with him.
B. HAVING A CLEAR CONSCIENCE
It is important for us to maintain a clear conscience before God if we are going to have peace. Does that mean that we never sin? Of course not for we are still in this body of clay that seems to have a predisposition for getting into trouble. Our bent toward sin and falling prey to it is a continual struggle. Even the Apostle Paul felt its pull - Romans 7:15 – “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Peter warned about sinful desires “which war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). We must keep in mind that even though our natural man urges us to do wrong, we will not be tempted beyond our ability to withstand.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
The writer of Hebrews says in 13:18 – “Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” We too should have that same kind of “desire to live honorably in every way.”
C. BY HAVING A QUIET LIFESTYLE
I am convinced that many people do not find personal peace for themselves because they have opted to live a “high pressure” type of lifestyle. They are on the go constantly without any “time outs” for the rejuvenation of their spirit – or of their body. They do not even know how to have relaxation during their times of recreation as those times also become “high energy” endeavors.
The late James Douglas McKay from Oregon who served as Secretary of the Interior under Eisenhower, during political campaigns liked to quote the old colored mammy who said: “When I works, I works hard. When I sits, I sits loose. When I worries, I goes to sleep.”
Some of us just need to “sits loose” some of the time. Somehow our culture has forced upon us the idea that we have to be entertained all the time. We have pushed at us a myriad of local events every week. And it is not just in our local area, but in all areas across our country.
I remember when living on the Oregon coast the time that a storm knocked out our cable service. Because of living on the west side of the Coast Range, you could not get any TV station without having cable. I went to our little market to pick up some needed food item and found that the store was packed with people standing in line to rent videos. They could not stand the thought of not being entertained.
The Lord God gave the Children of Israel a Sabbath day of rest and I believe that we could benefit by following a similar type of regimen.
III. FINDING OUR ROLE AS PEACEMAKERS
A. PROMOTE PEACE IN OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
I know that Jesus addressed the fact that there would not always be peace in our personal relationships because of serving him as found in Matthew 10:34-39. But that does not give us the license to be antagonistic in our interpersonal relationships.
Too many homes are in a furor and turmoil all the time – it is anything but a haven. I read a series of quotes that went like this: “Our home is a war zone! Don’t talk to me about international war. I want to know how we can find peace in our family!”…“I’m a rape victim. How can I ever get over my memories, or my horrible fears?”… “I’ve lost my job and may lose my home. Don’t tell me about Wall Street blues!”… “How can I raise decent kids when they’re the most endangered species!”… “We have a nice home and car – you’d think I would be happy. But I feel empty!”
You get the idea don’t you? We have a lot of work to do and it must begin by being a peacemaker within our family, work and social environments. If you have relationship that needs healing, pray about it and then set about to become a peacemaker.
B. PROMOTE PEACE IN OUR CHURCH RELATIONSHIPS
Let me quickly share four Scriptures that say it all:
Romans 12:17-18 - 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
The church fellowship should be one of the most peaceful places upon the whole earth, but unfortunately it is oftentimes the most hostile of environments.
Let us always be committed to being peacemakers within the family of God. Having a peaceful and loving environment is going to be the only way we will ever reach the world for the Lord.
C. PROMOTE PEACE IN OUR OUTREACH
The early church became a powerhouse of outreach in spite of severe persecution. We today are now feeling the first pangs of hostility in our society and we must be very careful that we do not present a spirit of militancy.
We have the right to stand up for what we believe, but we need to keep in mind the admonition of Jesus to “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16)
Philippians 2:14-16a - 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life —
Hebrews 12:14 says, Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Let me close with one more Scripture - James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
CONCLUSION
I remember the old story of a young soldier boy who was a Christian. After the lights were out in the barracks he would slip down on his knees by his bunk in order to pray. One night the sergeant, who had little use for anything religious or Christian, threw his very muddy boots at the boy, striking him on the side of the head.
The next morning the sergeant found his boots beside his bed all clean and polished to perfection. He was so impressed by the actions of the young man that he was eventually reached for the Lord. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
You may be here today and need to find the Lord. Believe on him, surrender your life to him, confess his name and be baptized for the remission of your sins.
Our closing song is “Constantly Abiding” which begins with the words, “There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave, a peace it can not take away”. That peace is yours for the asking – claim it and become a peacemaker for the Lord.
